Extranet

Extranet is a part of an organization's intranet. It is a communication network that is based on internet protocols (TCP/IP). It provides controlled access to firm's intranet to its trading partners, customers, and other businesses. So, it is a private network that securely shares internal information and operations of a firm with authorized people outside the firm without giving access to the company's entire network. The users are required to have IDs, passwords, and other authentication mechanisms to access this network.

 

Some of the benefits of extranet:

• It acts as a single interface between the company and its trading partners.
• It automates the firm's processes like automatically places an order with suppliers when inventory drops.
• It improves customer service by providing customers a platform to resolve their queries and complaints.

 

Limitations of Extranet:

• Hosting: If you host extranet pages on your own server, it requires a high bandwidth internet connection, which is may be very expensive.
• Security: You need extra firewall security if you host it on your own server. It increases the workload and makes security mechanism very complex.
• Dependency: It is dependent on the internet as outsiders cannot access information without using the internet.
• Less Interaction: It reduces the face to face interaction between customers, business partners, vendors, etc., which results in poor relationship building.

 

Difference between Intranet and Extranet:

 

 

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